Sunday, February 13, 2011

Searching for a particular scripture, that's when I saw it...pass it on. It was the title for a Bible character sketch on Priscilla. The extent of my knowledge on Priscilla was she was the wife, right?

But "pass it on" held my attention. I read the short description of this New Testament woman and started connecting the dots concerning Priscilla. This woman was no small fry! Priscilla was a giant and it's upon shoulders like hers that today's church stands.

Titus 2 Women this year will focus on that very phrase... Pass It On! Always under the umbrella of Titus 2:3-5 teaching, this year will be about reaching back and sharing what we've learned. Priscilla didn't just breathe church air, she was a conduit of life for others.

Titus 2 Women begins Monday, February 21st at 6:30pm, my house. We will meet the 2nd Monday of each month in March, April, May, August, September, October and November. Bring your word for the year and be prayed up. Remember my word for 2011 is WAR and you bet I'm trying out my armor! This ain't no pillow party girls! We have a job to do and it's time we are about our Father's business. Get ready to Pass It On!

This month I could think of no better way to bring clarity to this final and very specific topic than to refer to Voddie Baucham's Marriage By Design DVD. The section titled, "What She Ought to Be" takes this controversial subject and brings truth to the surface. I have never heard it explained this well. Thanks Voddie!

Home Management 101, look to 1 Tim 5:14. Young women should manage their homes. KJV says to "guide the house." What a great phrase!

Four areas of Home Management:1. Finance2. Organization3. Hospitality4. Scheduling

1. Finance:
Money is the biggest source of discontentment!

Get a Budget! Seriously! Be a grown-up!

Compulsive shopping:
-don't shop! I may need to fast in this area.
-use a list, have a plan
-look at the cost of the item and compare it to the per hour of wages my husband had to work in order for me to be able to purchase it.
-can I get the same item used or repair the old one?
-use cash
-wait 24 hours, then if still need it, buy it
-pray about it

Stretch your $:
-do lunch instead of dinner, get water or just go out for dessert
-thrift shop
-barter
-Coupon 101 (Please get with Amy Beard! She is great at this!)
-pray about it

-Look around the house. What do I see? It is a distinct reflection of me. I am the most powerful factor in how my house looks and feels. I hold the key.
-Do I like what I see? Do I need a change? For a house to change, I have to change. As I strive to create the home my family needs, I learn about myself. This is a real opportunity for growth. "But really it's not a choice. Stakes are too high. The family depends on how well I learn and execute my job. To start a family and then fail to tend it is a terrible loss to everyone involved. To neglect teaching organization skills to my children is to do a great disservice to them for the rest of their lives." Organizing Your Home and Family

"where the family is working right, the house will work right."The focus is on the family.
Tips for getting kids involved with organization:
-clarity
-consistency
-care

-teach them, make it fun... rules must have relationship.... inspect what you expect-have a no kid zone somewhere in your house, especially in parents bedroom-no food/drinks leave the tableWhat hinders me from being organized?-overextended and overwhelmed-depressed or illness (may need medical attention)No matter the problem... answer lies with me.
Finally, practical tips for mom:
-clean left to right, top to bottom
-use good tools
-get rid of stuff, you will have less to clean

Tips:
-it's about others, make it about people not my house
-less will do

What hinders me from having people in my home?
-time (never at home)
-cleaning (house is a wreck)
-$ (think I don't have nice enough things or must serve an expensive meal)

4. Scheduling:
Must be home to be a keeper of the home. Stop over committing myself to activities. Remember to ask myself the 3 questions.

What hinders me from keeping busy at home?
-pressure to involve kids (afraid they'll be weird if aren't involved in ____)
-I like to be on the go (read 1 Tim 5:13-14)
-when house is a bomb exploded or kids are small beasts or husband not so lovely... easier to be on the road, not at home so I don't have to do deal with it.

This article is a little different. It is actually an outline due to the topic.

This phrase "to be busy at home" is NIV, however, check out different translations. It is a combo word = employed at home. Other related words are royalty, palace, indoors, members of household and sanctuary.

-Is it OK for a Christian woman to work outside the home? Why or why not?
-What title, if any, does she give herself if she only works within the home?

Seasons of our lives allow for more time outside the home. Children do grow up and ladies we do grow old. However, I think we have it backwards. We work ourselves to death while we're young. Notice who does so much of the ministry or "programs" at church. The young women with young families. Shame on the older generations for such pressure to participate. The older women should encourage young moms to be at home, taking care of their own families. So many church activities, well intended, only separate families and cause chaos at home.

Before I commit to any activity outside my home, three questions I need to ask myself:
1. What is the reason for working outside of my home and is it honoring the gospel?
2. How will this help my husband's calling?
3. Where will this hinder my created purpose as keeper of my home?

Responses to those questions:
1. My answer my require confession and prayer time.
2. Gen 1:26-31, 2:7-25; 1 Cor 11:8-9. Read p. 109, 107 in Feminine Appeal
3. Read p. 111 in Feminine Appeal. Remember the purpose for a Titus 2 life is to present the gospel attractive to unbelievers. "Our homes can actually be a showcase for the gospel" But we have to be home! Remember purity is wedged between self-control and busy at home. Interesting.

Martha Peace writes in the The Excellent Wife, "The biblical concept of a "worker at home" is not a popular one today, but I do believe that God intended for the women, especially the younger women, to stay home and do a good job of caring for their homes and for their families. A wife who is gone with too many activities or work does not have the time or energy to keep her home as it should be kept.

If a wife is working or is thinking of returning to work, she should examine her motives. What is it she really wants? What is her heart set on? Is it to avoid becoming a 'non-person?' Is it more material things? Is is wanting to be out from under the demands of child care? Is it to relieve her husband from his responsibility of work? None of these motives are for the glory of God. They are self-serving and sinful. Godly motives would be learning to be content, Phil 4:11, gratitude to the Lord for what she does have, 1 Thess 5:18, and whatever you do in thought, word, and deed, do all for the glory of God, 1 Cor 10:31. Staying at home and organizing a clean, well run household is a major biblical emphasis in the God-given ministry of the wife.".... ShaZam! Go Martha Peace!

"Keeping a home is more than staying at home; it is having a heart fixed on the home." Debi Pearl, Created to be His Help Meet

Titus 2 is a list of characteristics we are to learn and in turn teach to the next generation. Among that list is a very specific word, pure. Purity in Titus 2 is to be innocent, clean and having proper sexual conduct. But attached to that word is a wonderful surprise! The word Holy. To be pure is a call to be holy!

The word holy, in Titus 2 context, is to be acceptable to God. It's active dedication to the Lord.

How awesome is that! Purity is NOT "just DON'T do it" or "it'll make you go blind". Purity is NOT reactive or just stopping at some imaginary line. Purity is so much more! Purity is proactive and it has a plan. It is a pursuit, it's movement... it has a goal. It's aim is nothing less than holiness!

By the way, God's not shocked when we do the tango. We were created to consummate that desire, but only within the boundary of a covenant marriage between a husband and a wife. But what about the rest of the world? The marriages that stink or the really in love so why shouldn't they do it? What about those just born that way?

Purity calls us all, for God said, "Be holy, because I am holy."

In 2 Samuel 11-12, David provides us with exactly what NOT to do:

1. David was not where he was supposed to be. Literally. He was at home and idle, not at work where he was purposed to be.

2. David saw her. The lust of the eyes for the things of this world may not end with materialism. Careful what your eyes do a double take on. For it's through the eyes that we view the flesh of others. Before you know it, the lust of the flesh is upon you. It sneaks up, in small... one step at a time... moves and miscalculations. (1 John 2:15-17)

3. David sent for her. "We may be tempted to meet real physical needs in appropriate ways." However, I am not my own, I was bought a price (1 Cor 6:12-20). I am to flee from the desires of the flesh and make no provisions for it, especially in my home (Gen. 29, Ps 101:2-3, Rom 13:14). Charles Spurgeon says what we are at home, that we are indeed. Also, know when, where and with whom I am tempted. "God is not impressed with my ability to stand up to sin. He's more impressed by the obedience I show when I run from it (Kissed Dating Goodbye)." 1 Cor 10:11-13, says no temptation has seized me to the point of no return. God will not allow me to be tempted beyond what I can bear. But when I am tempted, God is faithful and will provide me with a way out. David had the choice and decided to go his way.

The rest is His-story, check out Psalm 51. David could not remain in that sin state for long. Romans 6 gives clarity to that point.

Of course, Proverbs 1-10:1 is the go to for young men in need of self-control. Proverbs 7, gentlemen is your must read for understanding purity and the wily ways of women.

For the ladies, the Bible character for a purity picture is Rebekah. In Genesis 24, Rebekah shows us exactly what to do:

1. Rebekah was where she was supposed to be. Literally. She was about her daily chores, doing exactly what she was purposed to be. She cherished the stage of life she was in and went about it "quickly".

2. Rebekah saw him. Because she was spiritually prepared, she was ready for an opportunity when she saw it. She noticed the man needed help. What she didn't know, she was the answer to a prayer.

3. Rebekah went with him. A marriage made in heaven.

The rest is His-story, check out the linage of Jesus. Rebekah became the wife of Isaac, the mother of Jacob and the grandmother to the very tribes of Israel.

Here are additional scripture to add to your study of purity. They are amazing! Note the reoccuring themes from our Romans series. Don't ya love it!

When mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. Martha was in a whirl and she wanted Mary and Jesus in one too. "The excessiveness of worldly cares and pursuits is often the occasion for disturbance in families and for strife and disagreement among relation," Matthew Henry commentary.

But Martha was serving Jesus afterall! Serving the Lord requires time and effort right? And when it got tough she prayed for help right?. But that's not how scripture paints a picture of Martha's heart. Remember she was in "But Me" mode. In her distraction, she made an interesting request to the Lord.

v.40b, And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me."She demanded, Jesus make Mary help! Henry states, "Those are not always in the right who are most eager to appeal to God"

In Martha's out of control state, Jesus was perfect in his response. v.41, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things." Turning it back to Martha, he points out her sin state. Then with grace, redirecting Martha, he says "but one thing is necessary," time with me.

Henry's commentary, "Serious godliness is a needed thing, nothing but this will go with us into another world. The day will come when Martha will wish she had sat where Mary did. Christ justified Mary against her sister's busyness, he applauded her for her wisdom. 'She has chosen the good portion' to be with Christ, a better way of honorning and pleasing him, by receiving his word into her heart, than Martha did by providing for his entertainment in her house. It is wisdom and duty of every one of us to choose this good part. Mary had a choice, partake with Martha in her worry or sit at the feet of Christ and prove herself a zealous disciple."

Charles Spurgeon puts it real simple, "It is easier to serve than to commune." ShaZam!

Scripture always provides our way and Proverbs 2:1-11 instructs me in exactly how to do the one thing necessary. Notice in v. 11, self-control naturally follows.

By the way, Proverbs 1-10:1 are wisdom chapters, all directed at sons. The only thing in Titus 2 for younger men is, you guessed it, self-control (wisdom).

I beg you to spend some time over Proverbs 2. Get the lists of action verbs in v.1-4, accept, store, turn, apply, call, cry, look, search, v.5, THEN I will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God! Verse 11 hems it all in, "Discretion (self-control) will protect you, and understanding will guard you.

Self-control=wise=knowledge of the Holy=wall of protection. Only one thing is necessary, choose the better way.

38. Now as they went on their way, Jesusentered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.

39. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching.

40. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.”

41. But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,

42. but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42, ESV

The story of Martha and Mary depicts my life, parts that I desire and others I don't. It's the good, the bad and the ugly for all us girls. Let's take a closer look.

To begin, Martha is doing exactly what she should, serve. The skills of hospitality, cooking and organization are very natural to her. As women, even if we're not spiritually gifted with it, we are all inclined to it, serving.

v40, But Martha was distracted with much serving. Martha was having a "But Martha" moment. In "But Me" mode, she got distracted. But who wouldn't, all the work and preparation required to feed Jesus, to serve him. I get Martha. So how did Martha start out so right and end up so wrong? How did she get so distracted in serving Jesus?

Matthew Henry commentary says, "It does not become the disciples of Christ to take on themselves an excessive burden of waiting on others; what need is there of much serving, when much less will serve? Whatever cares the providence of God casts on us we must not be distracted with them. Care is good, distraction is sin and folly."

This month in Titus 2 Women we studied the characteristic self-control, one of the seven virtues of a Titus 2 woman. Actually self-control at it's core means wise or wisdom. Martha and Mary are our poster girls for what is out of control and what is self-control.

Since self-control equals wisdom, then Proverbs is the go to for all things wise. Proverbs 9:10 says, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 25:28 says, "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control."

Self-control=wise=knowledge of the Holy One=wall of protection. Remember self-control is the only characteristic that is listed for all groups in Titus 2. It's the gate keeper for all other virtues.

In The Titus 2 Way, part 2, we'll see how Martha lost control and got distracted, made an interesting request and then Jesus' observation of the situation. By grace he did not leave her in an out of control state. Jesus offers Martha a better way.

Remember perspective is to view things in their true relationship or importance. I can only imagine the vastness of God and I know I seem to only skim the surface of my need for Him. But calling me to more, I must focus.

When I set my sight on that which is of utmost importance and allow my lens to adjust to that object, what results is a sharp, clear image. The best of that image.

So let's focus. Titus 2: 3-5 tells us as older women to be reverent, not gossipers or addicts. To teach what is good, train the younger women to love their husbands and children, be self-controlled, pure, keepers of the home, kind and submissive to our husbands so that we do not blasphme the word of God. Don't misunderstand, this is no ordinary to-do list. It stands on the shoulders of v. 11-14,

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world;

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity,

and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (KJV)

Here's what my eyes have adjusted to:

I have been saved. I am saved! I AM SAVED! God's grace brought me salvation and his great grace continues to teach me. It shows me what sin is and his kindness draws me to repentance. I am waiting on the hope, literally watching for the glorious appearance of my savior, Jesus Christ! Jesus who gave himself, sacrificed himself, shed his blood... to buy me. I was bought at a price. I am redeemed and his blood was my exchange. Only this would satisfy. Now he wants to purify me, for himself. Purify through living out Titus 2:3,4,5. I am changing, being washed and renewed daily by his words. He's making me a peculiar person, Great! My life must look different from that of the world, I am his daughter. Yes! I want what is right and good by him! How can I not! I AM SAVED!

Titus 2 instructs the various groups within the church on how they are to relate to one another and live consistently with sound doctrine. This list of instructions are also the characteristics of a healthy church, thus a healthy Christian.

However, before we can ever begin to understand Titus 2, we must get perspective. See the big picture.

When the LORD answered Job out of the storm He asked, "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundations?" and "Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place?" If you haven't read Job 38-42 lately, now that's perspective!

Job had problems. But he came face to face with God, the same Creator who by the very breath out of his mouth were the starry host made, and Job's once very serious situation was suddenly not such a big deal. In other words, God is God whether Job exits or not. Sometimes life just stinks, but then again where was I when He gathered the waters of the sea into jars? That's perspective. A "view of things in their true relationship or importance." After his encounter with the awesome God, Job got some perspective.

In chapter 40, Job responded to the LORD, "I am unworthy-how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth." Again, in chapter 42, Job must respond to the LORD, "I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things to wonderful for me to know. You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.' My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."

When I view God in his glory and acknowledge his worthiness with my praise, I always see my correct position. It will be impossible for any of us to get Titus 2 unless we get perspective. I've tried to find in Titus 2 if there is some blessing or reward, just something in it for me if I do what is says. I can't, not there. What I come up with doesn't have anything to do with me at all. I learn to do the things listed in Titus 2 so that God's word is not dishonored by my ignorance and that in every way how I conduct myself and my household it would bring others to His salvation! Here's where perspective comes back. It does not say that I can slander someone if they really are crazy or mean or since my husband is a jerk he doesn't deserve love. Actually, it just says do it. To give God glory above all else.

Just when I want to say "yeah, whatever" my Father lovingly reminds me in Titus 3, "At one time I too was foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. I lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved me, not because of righteous things I had done, but because of his mercy."

WOW! Perspective!

Knowing God for who He says He is and not just what He can do for you will change your life. By the way, notice that Job said he had heard of God but now that he had seen Him, Job figured he'd be better off to just be quiet. Job realized he had been speaking of things he really didn't have a clue about. I think of how often I "tickle my ears with religion" or speak of things to great for me. When I actually stop and read the Word and spend time in prayer, I "taste and see that the LORD is good." I too encounter and come face to face with Jehovah. Amazing!